By Stephanie Dang, Registered Dietitian

Bread has gotten a bad rap over the years, likely due to the popularity of low carb and gluten-free fad diets. Unless you have a medical condition such as celiac disease, wheat allergy, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, there is no need for you to avoid bread! In fact, bread can be included as part of a healthy, balanced diet every day – yes that is correct, every day! Of course there are bread products you should try to choose more often than others (think: whole grain bread!), but I think we often forget about all the great things bread has to offer. Read below to find out more about why bread is not the enemy!

1. Carbohydrates are our body’s preferred energy source

Bread is a source of carbohydrates, which are our brain and muscle’s preferred fuel source. For steady energy throughout the day, focus on good quality, complex carbohydrates such as whole grains. These take longer to digest, which can help you feel full for longer and provide a slower, steady release of energy.

2. Vegetables are also carbohydrates

What?! Vegetables are carbs?! But vegetables are so good for us! Does this mean vegetables = bread? Well no, but this is a good reminder for why carbohydrates are not bad for you. When it comes to a healthy diet, you really need to look at the overall picture. There is no single “bad” food, just like there is no single “superfood”. Different foods and nutrients all work together to create a healthy, balanced diet. Aim to eat a variety of whole grains, along with other carbohydrate sources such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes to ensure your body is getting all of the nutrients it needs.

3. Bread does not make you gain weight

No single food is going to make you gain weight. In fact, hearty, high fibre breads can actually have the opposite effect – they can make you feel full for longer, provide you with adequate energy throughout the day, and prevent cravings and overeating later in the day. Bread is often vilified when it comes to weight management, however, being overly restrictive with certain foods can cause an unhealthy relationship with food. Focus on nourishing your body with good food, and enjoy everything in moderation!

4. Bread can be a good source of fibre and protein

Especially the whole grain options! Fibre is very important for our gut health, regular bowel movements, and keeping us full. Proteins are the building blocks of our body, and also help keep us full. In addition to fibre and protein, whole grain breads are also a source of B vitamins, folate, iron, and even calcium.

5. Bread can easily be paired with other nutritious foods

Another reason why bread is so great – you can make it even more nutritious by pairing it with other nutrient-rich foods! Looking for some ideas?

• Nut and seed butters
• Homemade chia-fruit jam
• Mashed avocado & hot sauce
• Hummus with freshly cracked black pepper
• Poached egg with fresh tomato and arugula
• Sliced or melted cheese
• Canned tuna or salmon
• Panini with rotisserie chicken, brie, and vegetables
• Healthy recipes like this French Toast

For a range of healthy loaves including Higher Fibre Loaf and Country Grain Loaf, find your local COBS Bread bakery!

The post 5 Reasons Why Bread is NOT the Enemy appeared first on COBS Bread.

Cheap family meals that are simply delicious? We’ve got you sorted with a range of tasty recipes, perfect for every family meal plan. It’s always fun to get creative in the kitchen! This time we’re not only getting creative, but we’re also keeping every meal under $5 per serving. Here are our favourite cheap easy meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that will leave your stomach and wallet full.

Family breakfast ideas

There’s no better way to start your day than with a delicious breakfast! Whether you’ve got a little extra time on the weekend, or are looking for something to sweeten up your weekday mornings, our two recipes are the perfect treat. Not only are they quick and easy family meals, but they’re also under $5 per serving! 

Parmesan & Chive French Toast: French toast for breakfast is one of the best things in the world. This savoury Parmesan & Chive French Toast recipe is only $2.17 per serving! This savoury French toast features the Sunflower Flax Sourdough and you can up the flavour by serving it with an optional dip of Marinara sauce!

Apricot Delight French Toast: Looking for something sweet? Take the classic French Toast approach but with the Apricot Delight Log for a fruity explosion! This easy breakfast recipe will make your mornings a treat and better yet, one serving of this meal is as low as $2.59.

Easy lunch ideas

Whether you’re packing a lunch box for school and work, or whipping up something at home, these easy lunch ideas are sure to satisfy those lunchtime appetites. Quick and easy to make, these recipes are perfect for fuelling you for the rest of the afternoon.

Caprese Cape Seed Toast: This Cape Seed toast is a healthy and fresh way to keep your day going! One serving of this recipe is approximately $3.97 and comes with a lot of flavour. This recipe takes less than 15 mins and is the perfect quick lunch for a midday refresher. The fresh tomatoes and basil leaves along with the Cape Seed loaf, will give you just the right amount of energy to get you through the rest of your day!

Sushilicious: This fun vegetarian recipe is super affordable and easy to make. Think of it as Sushi but instead of rice you use a delicious, fresh-baked loaf of Higher Fibre! This recipe is super simple, and chances are you probably have all 3 ingredients in your kitchen already. This exciting recipe, which is perfect for picnics and kids’ lunches, is only $3.12 per serving and is packed with fibre from the Higher Fibre loaf!

Family dinner ideas

There’s no shortage of easy dinner recipes for your family that are quick, yet delicious. Whether you’re short on time, or running out of time to make a hearty meal, we’ve picked two recipes that make for the perfect meal ideas for your family, or even impromptu dinner guests. Both are made using one of our delicious loaves, meaning they’re just as filling as they are tasty! 

Tuna Melt: Save time at dinner time as this recipe will be ready in less than 15 minutes. As you wind down your evening, this recipe will surely leave you full and satisfied! The trick to this Tuna Melt is to use our Higher Fibre Loaf and incorporate chives and smoked cheese so every bite is filled with flavour! The best part of this meal is the price as it will only cost you about $4.40 per serve!

Chicken Parm Grilled Cheese: Think of a classic grilled cheese… now add shaved chicken and put this on our authentically rich Sourdough Loaf along with some marinara sauce. Sounds yummy doesn’t it! You’ve got yourself a chicken parm in sandwich form! This recipe will take you less than 15 minutes to make and comes in at only $3.87 per serving.

Bonus Dessert Idea

With breakfast, lunch and dinner out of the way, it’s time for the real main event – dessert! This recipe is one of our favourites  and is perfect for those cooler Fall evenings. 

Hot Cross Bun Bread & Butter Pudding: Is the day even complete without dessert? This delicious Bread & Butter Pudding comes in at around $2.12 per serving making it the perfect way to cap off your day! This tasty dessert is mouth-watering and features our fluffy Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Buns!

If you need to pick up any Family Faves loaves, you can order online or visit your local bakery. Looking for more family recipes? Check out more of our recipes, using some of your favorite COBS products. Let us know what you think of these recipes on social and tag us in any recipes you try! We’d love to see!

The post Family Fave Meals for Under $5 appeared first on COBS Bread.

November 28^th marks National French Toast Day, and as we thought of the best way to celebrate we got stuck because there are so many unique ways to make French toast. There truly is a recipe for everyone in the whole family to enjoy. Check them out below, with our newest recipe for a delicious Egg Nog French Toast.

Our best tip for making French toast is to ask for your loaf sliced thick at our bakeries.

A Festive breakfast

If you want to really lean into the holiday season, this breakfast recipe is for you! Using our Higher Fibre Loaf, thick sliced of course, we use Egg Nog instead of milk and Egg Nog spices to make this dish extra merry. Check out the recipe here.

A classic

There’s a reason classics stay around, because they’re just so good! Our Cinnamon Loaf makes for the perfect French Toast, as you really don’t need to add to much more as the flavour is all in the bread.

Check out the recipe here.

The surprise

If you’re feeling like you want a change in your morning routine, this recipe for a stuffed French toast is the answer. It’s a delicious mix of cheesecake and French toast, without being too sweet.

Check out the recipe here.

A fruity twist

Wow your guests (or yourself) with this beautiful French toast using our Apricot Delight Log. We steer away from the traditional syrup topping to opt for a decadent and crowd-pleasing chocolate drizzle.

Check out the recipe here.

For savoury lovers

We were sceptics on this recipe for a savoury French toast at first, but you’ll have to trust us when we say we are officially converted! Seasoning the egg mixture with parmesan and chives, and using our Sunflower Flax Sourdough Loaf is a true recipe for success.

Check out the recipe here.

The post National French Toast Day appeared first on COBS Bread.

First off, we have a classic: turn it into croutons! Croutons automatically make any salad better and they’re so easy to make. Simply dice any of your remaining slices of bread and bake them in the oven until they are crispy.

Go big with a panzanella salad, elevate your go-to salad, or try making a delicious Caesar salad!

We often forget the most versatile and long lasting way to keep our bread – turning it into breadcrumbs! You can use breadcrumbs to create delicious schnitzels, or use them to bind together a hearty meatball dinner, or making hamburgers and more.

The drier the bread, the finer texture you will get, so we recommend drying the bread out in the oven (you can also turn your croutons into breadcrumbs too!). Once you have dried out the bread, use the pulse function of a food processor or blender and chop until you are happy with the size of your breadcrumbs.

Wanting to make something a little sweeter with your bread? Bread puddings are the answer! Bread pudding is best when made using older bread so it holds it shape better. You take slices of your bread and make a pudding mixture and then bake it in the oven to create a delicious dessert or sweet breakfast.

Check out these two recipes here: Dulce de Leche Bread Pudding or a classic Bread & Butter Pudding.

We all know that sides are ACTUALLY the best part of the meal, so another classic is to turn your leftover bread into stuffing! We recently created a brand-new stuffing recipe using our Sourdough Loaf and it is a new favourite. We often buy a loaf just to make this stuffing and have no doubt you will too. For a classic turkey stuffing recipe, you can try this one out, or for another sourdough stuffing recipe, this one uses bacon to create a delicious flavour!

And lastly, we still use our older bread for a simple toast with jam and butter!

Whichever loaf is your families fave, pick up everything you need today from your local COBS Bread Bakery. 

The post What to do with your leftover bread appeared first on COBS Bread.

Easy tomato relish

Move over ketchup, once you get a taste of this homemade tomato relish there will be no turning back! It also doubles as a great alternative for salsa if you have any leftover.

Get the recipe

Quick pickle relish

This quick pickle relish is bursting with flavour! Using a mix of red & yellow peppers, mild white onion, and dill pickles, this relish has quickly become one of our must-haves for any hot dog. It works perfectly on hamburgers or grilled sandwiches too!

Get the recipe

On National Hot Dog Day, settling for a basic frank just won’t do. Try one of these next-level hot dog recipes, and always use our Gourmet Hot Dog Buns for an extra rich flavour.

Grilled Chili Cheese Dogs

A comfort food classic! This recipe uses two different types of cheese for a multi-dimensional chili cheese dog.

Get the recipe

Gourmet Hot Dog

This one comes to us from BBQ Champion Rusty Johnson from Rusty’s BBQ. Beer-braised sausage, veggies, and your favourite mustard gives this backyard treat something special. Add the richest, most full-flavoured Gourmet Hot Dog Bun you’ve sank your teeth in and you get a simple crowd pleaser for all your backyard BBQ’s.

Get the recipe

Enjoy, and let us know which one is your favourite!

The post National Hot Dog Day! appeared first on COBS Bread.

The green one

Take your grilled cheese up a notch by adding a delicious avocado mix! Served on our Higher Fibre Loaf, this sandwich is packed with nutrients while being super yummy and filling. It’s the perfect grilled cheese for anyone.

The vegetarian one

Why have one cheese when you can have a trio for three times the gooeyness? Overflowing with brie, swiss and mozzarella, it’s sure to satisfy your grilled cheese craving.

the fancy one

Take your grilled cheese to the next level with our Sourdough Loaf. We love the sweet and salty combination of prosciutto and pear sandwiched between gooey melted cheese and authentic sourdough.

the secret one

This grilled cheese sandwich has a secret ingredient. OK, maybe two. Thinly sliced pears are the first, and sandwiching that and a load of cheese between our Sunflower Flax Sourdough is the other! It is the perfect combination of salty and sweet.

the Italian one

Elevate your meal with this Italian-inspired grilled cheese sandwich – stacked with pancetta and just the right amount of gooey mozzarella, topped with balsamic glaze and fresh basil!

Perfect on it’s own or as a side with some soup, the grilled cheese sandwich goes well with almost anything. Just get your bread, your butter and cheese and you’re ready to grill!

Share with us all the ways you make your grilled cheese sandwiches by tagging us @cobsbread

The post National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day appeared first on COBS Bread.

Want to make your next brunch easy, yet elegant? Then keep scrolling. 

Whipped Ricotta & Kale Pesto Tea Sandwich

First up is a wonderful Whipped Ricotta & Kale Pesto Tea Sandwich. Perfect for those who love their sandwiches with a little more style. Using our Higher Fibre Loaf from our Family Faves range, your guests will be treated to a fresh take on flavours while saving just enough room for dessert! 

Cucumber Sandwiches

Have extra guests coming this Easter? Stay cool as a cucumber with our easy (but beautiful) Cucumber Sandwich perfect to whip up on short notice without compromising on taste. Light, fresh tasting, and so simple to prepare, this sandwich will make your guests feel like royalty. 

Smoked Salmon Sandwich

The heartiness of COBS Bread Country Grain Loaf pairs perfectly with the delicate texture of smoked salmon and cream cheese for this Stacked Smoked Salmon Sandwich. Add a hint of dill and you’ve got an elegant flavour combination fit for the finest brunch. 

Hot Cross Bun Toasted Delight

No brunch is complete without some expert-baked COBS Bread hot cross buns. Use your favorite flavour (we have four to choose from!) to complete this recipe and elevate your Easter with our Hot Cross Bun Toasted Delight. 

Hot Cross Bun Chocolate Parfait

This sweet spring Hot Cross Bun Chocolate Parfait recipe is one even the kids can help with. Add sweetness to any brunch with this combination of hot cross buns, chocolate mousse, and mini eggs. 

Hot Cross Bun Toppers

If you want to elevate even the simplest brunch, grab yourself and 6-pack of COBS Bread hot cross buns to create Hot Cross Bun Toppers. Add some ingredients like salted butter, sweet jam (we love fig!), mascarpone, or the pantry-staple honey and you have yourself some decadent treats. 

These Easter delights will inspire your next brunch filled with friends, family and great moments shared. Giving one of our recipes a try? Tag us on Instagram @cobsbread. 

Happy Easter! 

The post Easter Brunch Delights appeared first on COBS Bread.

You can pick up our expert-baked hot cross buns in 4 scrumptious flavours:

1. Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Bun: Filled with raisins, currants and mixed spice, they’re perfect for a breakfast treat. These pillowy hot cross buns are only available in the spring so get them while they’re hot! The recipe for COBS Bread’s “original” Hot Cross Bun traversed the ocean (without getting soggy) in 2003 from parent company Bakers Delight, located in Australia. In fact, the recipe has been in use by five generations of bakers. We think it’s got staying power.
2. Apple Cinnamon Hot Cross Bun: Our Apple Cinnamon Hot Cross Bun is a fresh take on a favourite tradition! Toasting these pillowy hot cross buns and adding a little butter is exactly how new traditions start. Made delicious by COBS circa 2017, this un-traditional hot cross bun is the modern flavour on the block all the kids are talking about, bursting with juicy red apples, and good ol’ cinnamon is just what the millennial ordered!
3. Cranberry Orange Hot Cross Bun: In 2014, our friendly COBS baker decided to put an unexpected twist on the hot cross bun by adding plump cranberries and a sweet orange zest. Long and behold, this twist is still a family fave in the house during hot cross bun season. Warm them up in the oven to fill your house with the smell of fresh baking. Go ahead, tell everyone you made these yourself!

4. NEW! Triple Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Bun: Hey Chocoholics! It’s 2022 and your favourite Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Bun just got even better! Three times better in fact. Indulge and satisfy your chocolate cravings with creamy dark, milk & white chocolate chips packed into our delicious hot cross bun. We’ve tripled the yum and this is our sweetest bun yet!

Hot cross buns are so versatile, enjoy them with high tea, or devour them in the parking lot. Enjoy them as is, or create unique recipes from them. We have both sweet and savoury taste buds covered with our Hot Cross Bun French Toast or our Baked Brie with Pancetta, Thyme and Honey served with Hot Cross Bun Crostini. Share with loved ones or love them all to yourself!

Are you a COBS Club member? Don’t miss out on our limited time offer: Earn double Breadcrumbs on ANY 6-pack of hot cross buns (mixed flavours included)!

Earn your way to a $5 reward with every hot cross bun you enjoy.

The post Hot cross bun 101; the low down on our expert-baked hot cross buns appeared first on COBS Bread.

You are the loaf of my life

We are loving how simple but effective this heart-shaped egg-in-a-hole toast idea is! Simply grab your favourite Family Faves loaf and cut a heart shape with either a heart shaped cookie cutter or using a sharp knife. Then crack your egg into the middle and cook either in the oven or airfryer. If you’re frying on the pan make sure to toast the heart side first then flip and crack egg and fry until egg white is cooked through.

I like you berry much

What makes this pastry board awesome? You don’t have to cook or bake anything! You just have to assemble. A mixture of Cinnamon Buns, Croissants and Danishes is a sure fire way to a sweet start to Valentine’s Day this year.

i love you s’more and s’more

Staying in? Our Sourdough Buns make the most perfect fondue pots. Whether you’re sharing with your Valentine or your Galentine our fondue platter is a quick and easy way to delight with a delicious dessert. Simply cut the tops off the Sourdough Buns and hollow out the centre. Then heat your chocolate flavour of choice and pour into the middle. Decorate with fresh fruit and marshmallows for a sweet finish to the day.

You’re simply my jam

Nothing says I love you more than a 6-pack of freshly baked scones. Whether you’re buying our scones for breakfast, morning tea, afternoon tea or dessert; there’s one thing you can count on when you get them from COBS Bread: FRESHNESS! Pick some up this Valentine’s Day for your butter half.

Enjoy more quality time with your loved ones and pre-order everything you need to make Valentine’s Day special through Click & Collect.

The post Easy Valentine’s Day Ideas appeared first on COBS Bread.

Classic Entertaining

Guaranteed to have your guests smiling these classic appetizers work for a reason. Simple to execute and yummy to eat, these mouthful morsels are bound to impress. Using our classic French Baguette, with its fragrant crust and fluffy centre, it’s the perfect artisan bread for any festive meal. Our French Baguette with brie and holiday jam adds an inspiring touch of spiced holiday jam with the creaminess of brie to make for a delicious, easy appy you can whip up in 15 minutes.

Pear, Brie & Rosemary Crostini

Prosciutto, Ricotta & Fig Crostini

Plant-Based Entertaining

When you’re hosting you don’t want to be worrying about everyone’s individual preferences. That’s why incorporating some plant based options into your entertaining menu will tick a lot of boxes while still tasting equally as appetizing. With both sweet and savoury options to choose from, you can have everyone covered this Holiday Season. We also recommend creating a platter full of colourful vegetables along with some dips and bread that everyone can enjoy, whatever their preferences.

Focaccia Dippers

Wild Blueberry and Custard Teatime

Family Entertaining

No more struggling with picky eaters this Holiday Season! Create the perfect grab & go options the whole family will enjoy. Whether it’s meatball sliders or crostini to fill hungry bellies COBS Bread has you covered for all your entertaining needs. A real crowd pleaser is our twist on the Garlic Cheddar Sourdough as the perfect sharing option. Let’s not forget about dessert, a festive pavlova wreath. This dessert recipe is one you HAVE to add your holiday menus.

Garlic Cheddar & Green Onion Pull Apart Loaf

Pavlova Wreath

Want to make entertaining easy this Holiday Season? Make the most of our Click & Collect service to pick-up delicious fresh-baked treats and breads while skipping the lines.

Celebrate the season. Just add friends, family, and catching up on a whole entire year.

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